The Texas music and political scenes lost a distinctive voice with the passing of Richard "Kinky" Friedman at the age of 79. Known for his satirical edge and irreverent humor, Friedman died in his home at Echo Hill Ranch in Medina, confirmed his friend Cleve Hattersley in an interview and Kent Perkins via social media. As reported by FOX San Antonio, Friedman had been battling Parkinson's disease.

In 2006, Friedman made to infamously challenge the incumbent Republican Rick Perry for the position of governor. Despite garnering significant media attention and a colorful run, he placed fourth in the race. His political aspirations didn't end there; he also made bids for the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and 2014. These details were released by our partners at the Texas Tribune.

Friedman was instantly recognizable by his trademark look, which included curly hair underneath a black cowboy hat and a cigar in hand. His band, Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys, became noted for its satirical take on country music in the 1970s, songs like "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore" often raised eyebrows and laughter alike. He carried his distinctive style of humor over to literature, publishing novels with a fictionalized version of himself at the heart of stories like "Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola" and "Armadillos and Old Lace." This was highlighted in the piece by FOX San Antonio.

In the realm of politics, Friedman wasn't afraid to almost controversially push forward on issues not widely embraced in Texas at the time. He advocated for the legalization of marijuana and casino gambling, and was a supporter of same-sex marriage—well before it became legal nationwide—once quipping, "I support gay marriage because I believe they have right to be just as miserable as the rest of us."